Skaters and Snowboarders Most Buzzed About Athletes at Olympics

The Nielsen Company analyzed online discussions among 25 high-profile athletes and medal winners involved in the Winter Olympics and found that American speed skater Apolo Ohno is the most buzzed-about athlete so far. Although he’s won just a silver medal in these Vancouver games, Ohno was the most blogged, tweeted and discussed amid his quest to pass Bonnie Blair as the most decorated American at the Winter Olympics. Ohno was followed by American snowboarder Shaun White and Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili who was tragically killed in practice prior to the opening ceremonies.

In another quick check of buzz, the host city, Vancouver, British Columbia, showed an increase in mentions equal to and closely mirroring that of the Games themselves. The increase in exposure and buzz is perhaps one reason cities compete so intensely to secure the Olympics.